Expanding power means



De@ 6, 1938. L. M. PERSONSl 2,139,034

EXPANDING POWER MEANS Filed July 16, 1936 Patented Dec. 6, 1938 UNrTED STATES 2,139,034 EXPANDING POWER MEANS Lawrence M.

by mesne Corporation, Delaware Persons, St.

ts', to

Louis, Mo., assignor, Automatic Control Mo., a corporation of Application July 16, 1936, Serial No. 90,955

3 Claims.

have been found to be unsatisfactory in view of a positive transmission of power invention is to provide an expanding power means of the diaphragm type which incorporates the multiple expanding is to provide a diaphragm which is positive in its transmission of power. Another object is to provide a diaphragm which includes a plurality of superposed folds adapted number the effective moveeasy to manufacture, and thorand satisfactory in operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. l is a 'de elevation of a multiple diaphragm and an associated tube and bulb, ccnstructed in line with the present invention, shown with an associated actuated mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the embodiment shown in Fig. l, the actuated mechanism being omitted.

Fig. 3 is a central section showing a multiple diaphragm connected directly to an associated bulb.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3.

Referring to the drawing by reference numerals, Ill indicates generally a multiple diaphragm constructed according to the present invention. In Figs. l and 2, the diaphragm I is shown as the extension of a tube II which leads from a bulb I2. In Fig. 3, the diaphragm I0 is disclosed as directlyleading from the bulb I2, there being no intermediate tubing II as in Figs. l and 2. Whether or not intermediate tubing is employed will, of course, depend upon the use and installation of the diaphragm. will, of course, be understood that the bulb I2 contains a thermally-sensitive fluid which communicates with the diaphragm in operative relation, as will be more particularly described below.

In the present disclosure, the diaphragm I0 comprises a portion of tubing which is flattened and which is redoubled or folded upon itself as I4 to provide a plurality of superposed produced include rounded ends I1. flattened portion of tubing contains a i co-extensive filler strip ends 22 and its filler strip is, of course, inserted into the flattened tubing prior to the bending or folding operation, and is h by sealing the end of the tubing against and around the filler as at 24. There is a very small space between the flat sides 2I of the 2l) and the opposed walls I6 of the tubing, so that iiuid may 13 be forced'into a position to expand the tubing. In Figs. 3 and 4, this space between the flat sides 2I of the filler strip and the opposed walls of of the tubing has been exaggerated to better illustrate the device.

The flattened tubing may be doubled upon itself any number of times to provide any desired diaphragm expansion. There is no actual space between the doubled back segments of the tubing, as is shown in the figures, but the metal will 25 abut or rest in contiguous relation, as is shown in Fig. l. This and 4 for the purpose of reducing the space available for thermally-sensitive iiuid, and to provide a means by which out producing angled bends at the ends. Without the use of the filler strip, there would also be present the possibility of completely closing the diaphragm during the attening operat1on which would prevent the ingress of fluid. Relative to reducing the space made available for the iluid, were there as much liquid in the diaphragm and the tube leading 40 thereinto as in the bulb, then the bulb would lose its effectiveness and purpose, for the diaphragm would expand to actuate associated mechanism upon heat being applied thereto and to its tube. rIhis would defeat the purpose of for the diaphragm for successful use be actuated primarily by the expansion of the liquid within the bulb, which is temperature control, or at a point whose temperature is employed to control mechanisms and temperatures. By rendering the fluid in the diaphragm and tube negligble, substantially the full expansion of the diaphragm is effected through the expansion of the liquid in the bulb.

and without breaking not as limitation, the

mechanism adapted te be actuated by by the following eiaims. Only the diaphragm A stud 25 is Welded or other- What is claimed is: Wise xed to the diaphragm A lever 26 is pivl. In a device of the liind described, a diaa thermally-sensitive fluid in the tubing, and a ller strip in said tubing 10 contacts 28 and 29. Ob is only one prising a section of tubing, said section of tub- 15 type of mechanism adapted to be actuated by ing being flattened and folded to provide superthe diaphragm, the invention contemplating as posed segments contacting throughout the full within its scope various types of actuated mechaareas of the opposed at sides when the dianisms controlled by an expanding power means phragm is in collapsed relation and a ller strip in and coextensive with said diaphragm to 20 Operation reduce the Huid space.

The diaphragm of the present invention func- 3- In a deVCe 0f the kind described, a bulb' ons in its expanding movement to mummy the thermally-sensitive ud insaid bulb, a diaphragm movement obtained in a single segment When Confmsmg a flattened piece f tubing: Sald the buib i2 is subjected to heat the thermaiiy` 110mg beleg folded t0 bring the folds Produced sensitive mnd therein expands Inasmuch as into superoosed relation contacting throughout the Weakest portion of the assemblage is the the full areas of the opposed flat sides when coldiaphragm itself, the liquid, in its effort to escape lapsed Said Opposed nat sldes Contacting through' from the tube as a result of the expansion will out substant1-a1ly the fu areas thereof when expanded, said diaphragm being connected to 3o cause the flattened sides of the diaphragm to said bulb at one end whereby sald diaphragm ulge or expand Each segment of the dla forms a continuation of said bulb uid in said phragm will be equally expanded so that the aphragm Commumcatng Wlth sal-d mud m movment Obtained Wm be the Sum 0f the eX" said bulb, and a filler strip coextensive with panslons of he segments The attened eX' said diaphragm of a cross-section restricting 35 ternal surfaces of the segments are in abutting e 11m-d space Within the diaphragm when m relation and therefore, the movement obtained no1-mal position to a Smau channel at each side through expansion of the uid will be positive of said strip whose cross-section is Senn-circular,

LAWRENCE M. PERSONS.

invention being lining"4M 

